The big question for foodies used to be “Where do you want to eat?” These days, though, it’s just as likely to be “Where do you want to drink?”

In this issue of Food & Drink, we give Santa Cruz’s spirited spirits scene its due. First, Christina Waters looks at how the mixology movement has made its way to Santa Cruz, and where to find it. She also confirms that it’s now okay to admit you drink ciders and sours, so allow me to finally say: I don’t care who thinks I am the world’s wussiest drinker, I will take a blueberry sour at Mission Street BBQ every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Wow, that felt good. Good talk! OK, anyway, if you worry that happy hour is bringing down the dining scene, I recommend reading Lily Stoicheff‘s interview with the Kitchen at Discretion’s Santos Majano about his one-man pub food revolution. And don’t miss her article on the local pop-up culture, which goes beyond the typical “hey, pop-ups exist!” angle to explain why Santa Cruz is an ideal place for them to thrive. Dig in!